Saul Niguez's increasingly important to Atletico Madrid

soccer-infos.com

On April 27, 2016, at Vicente Calderon Stadium, for the 11th time this season, was full. About 54 thousands of Atletico Madrid supporters filled the Stadium on the lips of the river Manzanares.

The match entered the 11th minute when a goal was created. Not Antonie Griezmann or Fernando Torres, but the 21 years player with number 17, Saul Niguez.

Receiving the gastric ball in the middle of the field, Saul controlled the ball perfectly. Thiago Alcantara overshadowed Saul, who carried the ball toward the sidelines.

Instead of waiting for Juanfran up to help the attack, Saul was dribbling the ball pierced the left side of Munich defense, breaking away from Thiago's custody and also pass through obstacles of Juan Bernat and Xabi Alonso.

Saul was now dealing with David Alaba. He then fired a left-foot kick. The ball curved sliding towards the goalpost. Arturo Vidal sliding to block the shot was too late.

Manuel Neuer, although already stretched, unable to reach the ball. Created the only goal in the match. A goal that brought Atletico Madrid beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final the first match of 2015/2016 (28/4).

In the Champions League this season Saul Niguez played in all Los Rojiblancos matches. He scored 3 goals and 2 assists.

One gorgeous assist he has made in the 2nd leg of the quarter-final match against Barcelona. With his back left leg, Saul was releasing crossing from the left side of the Barca defense to be headed by Griezmann that managed to find the net of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Griezmann goal was very important because it gave the advantage for Atletico that lost 2-1 in the first leg. The match was eventually won by Atletico 2-0 after Griezmann scored the second goal at the end of the match through a penalty.

Diego Simeone also gives great confidence in Saul Niguez in La Liga this season. Players who born November 21th, 1994 was playing in the 29 games of Atletico Madrid, 24 of which he played as a starter. Los Rojiblancos are now competing with Barca and Madrid in the La Liga title race.

Saul Niguez started his professional career with Atletico Madrid B in 2010. He had several times to strengthen the first team before being loaned to Rayo Vallecano a full season in the 2013/2014 season.

Saul returned to Atletico Madrid in the 2014/2015 season. At that time, he became a coating line of Atletico midfielder that still reinforced by  Arda Turan (now Barcelona) and Mario Suarez (Fiorentina). In 38 La Liga matches that season Saul only played 9 times as core players.

This season Saul Niguez be one important element of Atletico Madrid for chasing the trophy in La Liga and Champions League. It is possible that it will make Vicente Del Bosque called him to strengthen Spain in the European Cup 2016. Saul has not even posted caps with the senior national team.

Diego Simeone long ago been fenced Saul of the target of other clubs. In an interview, Simeone said, "A departure for him (Saul Niguez) seems hasty to me Because he's young and, in order for him to keep improving, there's nowhere better than home - the which is Atletico."

Saul Niguez is undergoing a remarkable season with Atletico Madrid. Talked about where he will be docked next season, or compare his performance with other players, like Messi, for example, actually premature.

More interesting to see his contribution to Atletico Madrid in a few games remaining. La Liga champions? Qualify for the Champions League final? Both? Or neither?